About Abby
Abby Dreith is a founding member of our esports team, Volt.

The topic of video games has been in the rotation of mainstream buzz since its inception. What makes the media of gaming so unique is that it’s everywhere. Consoles, computers, smartphones, and even public places. Although most of the world’s population has easy accessibility to video games, it’s the accessibility within these games that needs questions raised.

Growing up in the budding of widespread gaming mania, I played video games from an early age. I remember playing Peggle on the family computer, Pokémon on the DS that I saved up my well-earned money for, and finally outsmarting my dad on Mario Kart on our Wii. I also remember playing Tetris on my mom’s flip phone, and watching whichever kid I was babysitting at the time play Fruit Ninja or Temple Run on their iPad. Gaming was, is, and will be everywhere.

The concept of video gaming and online personas are such a monumental form of self-expression. Nowadays, with massive multiplayer online platforms, or MMOs, people are able to express themselves through conceptualized avatars and network amongst themselves without the pressure of physical-appearance perceptions. In my long tenure of gaming, I’ve met so many wonderful people I’ve found through gaming and common interests. From my own standpoint as someone with autism, gaming has been a truly positive aspect of my day-to-day life, helping me find new interests and friends, and optimizing my cognitive skills and intelligence.

However, there is by far so much more work that needs to be done. For people with physical disabilities, it’s an uphill battle for video game accessibility. Certain aspects of story and gameplay require controls that are not accommodating to players with physical disabilities and a lack of settings regarding controls and visual/audial sensory adjustments. Providing solutions for these issues, as well as incorporating proper disability representation in gaming will be key to dismantling ableism in one of the most popular forms of media on the planet.

I am beyond excited to provide a wonderful community, partnering with Easterseals Crossroads to enhance the gaming scene in the Indianapolis area. If you or someone you know is interested in Easterseals Gaming, the Crossroads gaming discord is here: https://discord.gg/K4ymTdCAVN. Our Discord server is for players 16+ at the present moment, but we are also developing other programs for gamers under the age of 16.

We are also starting our own esports team, Volt, very soon. If you are over the age of 18 and interested in joining Team Volt as a member, feel free to reach out to us!

Assistive Technology Clinical Services

(fees and availability vary)
Overview
Since 1979, Easterseals Crossroads has been Indiana’s premier provider of Assistive Technology Services. These clinical services are the hallmark of our program and have been available for almost 45 years.

Evaluation
A qualified Assistive Technology professional meets with an individual or organization to evaluate their specific accommodation or assistive technology needs. This service typically takes 4-6 hours and results in a detailed and structured report that includes recommended equipment, training or other services.

Consultation
Like an evaluation, but typically shorter in nature and less comprehensive, this service allows for brief interventions by a qualified Assistive Technology professional. Reports typically take the form of a memorandum and focus on a single aspect of an individual or organization’s needs.

Training
Our staff provides a wide variety of individual and small class trainings designed to teach the user how to use their assistive technology on the job, at home or in school. In 2012 we expanded our training services by offering comprehensive on-line instruction as well.

Digital Literacy
We provide proctored digital literacy assessments to vocational rehabilitation clients, evaluating their current computer and software skills as well as their ability to use technology in daily life. Based on assessment results, we offer tailored training to address any skill gaps identified.

Web and Document Accessibility
We offer web and document accessibility services to ensure everyone, regardless of ability, has access to information. Our team is well-versed on Web Accessibility Content Guidelines (WCAG), Section 508, and other accessibility standards.

Home Modification Services
We offer home modification evaluations performed by a qualified healthcare professional independent from the contractor to ensure individuals receive appropriate modifications to maximize function in their home.

Potential Funding Sources for Clinical Assitive Technology

•  Vocational Rehabilitation
• Medicaid, Medicaid Waiver, Medicare, Choice
• Social Security Work Incentive programs (PASS, IRWI, BWE)
• Employers
• Schools (K-12 or Higher Ed)
• Veterans Administration
• Individuals or organizations often private pay for services and technology

For More Information

• Visit the eastersealstech website
• Call 317-466-2013 or 888-466-1314

Indiana Assistive Technology Act (INDATA) Services

(no charge for these services)

Overview
In October 2007, Easterseals Crossroads was awarded the Assistive Technology grant, which consists of state and federal funding targeted to increasing the availability of Assistive Technology to Hoosiers with disabilities. There are 56 programs of this type in the United States and US territories. These services are available statewide at no charge.

Information and Referral
Anyone with questions about assistive technology may call our Information & Referral/Funding Specialist to learn more about available services and funding options.

Alternative Financing Program
Although there are several available funding sources for Assistive Technology equipment and services, there are times when an individual does not qualify for a traditional funding source. INDATA works with a lending partner to offer low interest and extended term bank loans as an alternative funding source for assistive technology equipment and services.

Device Demonstration
Many individuals benefit from experiencing a basic Assistive Technology equipment demonstration. These demonstrations are available statewide and typically allow an individual to spend 10-20 minutes with an Assistive Technology Specialist who demonstrates the basic features of the Assistive Technology Device or software. (Does not result in recommendations.)

Device Loan
INDATA has a growing library of Assistive Technology Devices that can be loaned for 30 days. The library has over 2500 items at this time and continues to grow.

Equipment Reutilization
INDATA operates an equipment reutilization program in which we accept video magnifiers and other assistive technology devices. These items are sanitized, repaired and given to individuals with disabilities in Indiana for free.

Recycled Computer Program
Donated computers are picked up from a donor, wiped of all previous data, refurbished and provided, at no charge, to individuals with disabilities who live in Indiana and have no other means of obtaining a computer.

Full Day Trainings
INDATA hosts free trainings on various aspects of assistive technology. These trainings are held at our Indianapolis facility and streamed via the Internet. Continuing Educations Units (CEU’s) are also offered. CEU’s are only available to those who attend the training in person.

Podcast/Blog
Weekly Podcasts a Daily Blog provide persons with disabilities, AT professionals and general enthusiasts with latest developments and up-to-date information from the world of assistive technology.

For More Information

• Visit the eastersealstech website
• Call 317-466-2013 or 888-466-1314

Goals

Our  clinics are currently serving approximately 150 people per week and we hope to provide over 7,000 therapy sessions and evaluations throughout the year. Our First Steps therapists provide over 200 therapy sessions per week.

We exist to for families to support their children’s growth and development so that they can be as successful as possible in life.

Who is Eligible for Services

What Makes our Children’s Therapy Services Unique

At Easterseals Crossroads, we grow with a child in our ability to provide therapy and options for families. Not only do we offer occupational, physical, speech and developmental therapy, we also provide augmentative and alternative communication assessments/treatments as well as specialized treatment for individuals with feeding challenges. If a child can benefit from an augmentative communication device, our assistive technology department offers a lending library option so that parents/caregivers can try a device to see if it meets a child’s needs before purchasing.

Our wrap-around options include our extensive summer camp program with six different camps from an overnight, week-long option for individuals with autism to several day-camp possibilities. On a weekly basis, we offer respite options for families who want to explore an evening (or day) out activity. We are dedicated to our families, and we take great pride in offering meaningful opportunities that make a difference in the lives of those we serve.

More Information

For clinical services at our north (Keystone Avenue) location, parents/caregivers can call 317.466.1000 and ask to speak to our clinic admissions specialist for our Keystone location. For the south (Thompson Road) location, please call 317.782.8888. Those interested in First Steps should call 317.557.BABY.

Information for any service can also be accessed by contacting us.

We have several different employment programs within the Employment Services Division including our Vocational Rehabilitation (VR) funded employment program which has been around approximately 40 years; our Family Opportunity Program which will enter its fourth year in October; and Pathways to Opportunity, which started its third year of a 5-year grant. We also offer Benefits Planning (BINS) services to compliment all three programs. We have a College Internship Experience program in its eighth year and Project SEARCH Indiana at Community Hospitals East (since 2007) and  Community Hospital North ( since 2011).

Program Goals

• Employment services through VR referrals assist individuals with significant disabilities with career exploration, benefits planning, job placement, job coaching and long-term employment supports. This is funded by the State of Indiana, FSSA / DDRS / Bureau of VR. Eligibility requires participants to apply and be approved by VR, and then referred to Easterseals Crossroads. This program is available for those who are 16 years of age or older.
• The Family Opportunity Program is a two-generational approach providing an array of services for children with disabilities, as well as workforce development assistance and the ability to connect with community resources and benefits for adult caregivers. We serve approximately 40 families per year. This is funded by the United Way Family Opportunity Fund. Entry into the program is a child with a disability who can benefit from and be enrolled in any programs offered through Easterseals Crossroads. If the adult caregiver will also benefit from services as noted, we can enroll the family. The adult caregiver does not have to have a disability. Families must reside in the United Way of Central Indiana seven- county service area. Children must be ages birth to 18 (or 22 if they are in school under an IEP) and adults must be ages 18 and up.
• Pathway to Opportunity is a five-year grant with an enrollment goal of 150 individuals over 5 years. We serve individuals with disabilities who reside in Marion County and are living at or below 185% of poverty level. The goal is to move participants out of poverty through employment and high-touch, intensive services to address all barriers to achieving this goal. The program is funded by the Lilly Endowment Enhancing Opportunities in Indianapolis fund. To be compatible with the program goals, a participant must be willing to discontinue public entitlements and benefits and move to self-sufficiency through full-time employment. This program is available for those who are 17+ years of age.
• Benefits Planning (BINS) services are available for participants in all three of the employment programs. We complete approximately 85 BINS per year. To be eligible, an individual must be receiving SSI, SSDI or Medicaid and participating in one of our employment programs. This program is available for those who are 16+ years of age.
• The College Intern Experience program provides college students with autism with an internship in their field of study. It is funded through our Lilly Endowment Autism grant and the goal is to provide 22 internships over a two-year grant cycle. To be eligible, participants must have a diagnosis of autism and be actively enrolled in one of our nine partnering colleges. This program is available for college students who are 18+ years of age.
• Project SEARCH Indiana is a work emersion program for transition age youth with developmental disabilities. We partner with three school systems (myIPS, Lawrence Township, Warren Township), VR and Community Health Network. We serve an average of 22 – 24 students each school year. Participants must have a developmental disability, be under 22 years of age and be eligible to be enrolled in VR services. We do accept some young adults (over 22 years old and out of school) when circumstances allow us to do so.

Our Staff

Our staff members who provide services within the above program areas come from an array of backgrounds. All of our employees are highly skilled in job readiness training and employment procurement. Our staff are dedicated and committed to working with individuals with disabilities.

“We have the distinct privilege and honor to help people with disabilities change and enhance their lives everyday through our employment programs and services,” said Marjorie Duryea, Director of Employment Services.

Who Benefits from these Programs

Our employment programs benefit the participants and their families by gaining employment and earning wages. In the broader sense, our program benefits our community by adding to the workforce and tax base, diversifying the workforce with individuals with disabilities and helping individuals with disabilities reduce dependence upon public assistance.

Pathways is the only Lilly Endowment LEI funded grant that focuses on disability.  We are one of a few FOF funded programs that focus on disability. Our Project SEARCH is the only one remaining in central Indiana.

Who to Contact for More Information

Contact us for more information about any of the above options within our employment services area.

About Jane
Jane is an information and risk security expert as well as a member of our Easterseals Crossroads Board of Directors and a published author. Additionally, Jane serves on the board of the National Cyber Security Alliance, and she works actively with them to help everyone stay safe online. She is passionate about information security for all and she is excited to share some tips to help keep us safe online, compliments of NCSA. Every other month, Jane will share some key facts, stories and tips regarding online security.

Posts are Like Ghosts

Even though many of us have been on social media for a decade or more at this point (maybe even most of your life!), it bears repeating that you should think about everything you post, message or say online because it can live forever. Posts are like ghosts; you don’t want what you say to haunt you. This is true even for apps that automatically delete posts like Snap. Someone who sees it can screenshot or screen-record what you post.

Be Choosy about Friends and Followers

Remember that not everyone who requests to follow you has friendly intentions in mind. Depending on the information you have visible on your profile, someone who friends or follows you might know your contact info, general location, age and other data. This is why you want to think twice before accepting a request or invitation to connect from just anyone. Many social media networks have tools that allow you to manage the info you share with friends in different groups. If you’re trying to get your influencer hustle going, create an open profile or fan page that encourages broad participation but limits personal information. Use your personal profile to connect with your real friends – typically ones you know IRL.

Block the Bullies

While cyberbullying is often framed as an issue for children, anyone can be a victim. When it comes to the bullies of the 2020s, social media is now the unsupervised playground for us all. We recommend that you just block them – there’s no need to give them more of your time and energy. Every platform has simple ways you can block and report users engaged in bullying behavior. There’s no shame in having a strong blocking game!

Don’t Take the Bait

Phishing‚ is when cybercriminals use fake emails, social media posts, or DMs with the goal of luring you to click on a bad link or download a malicious file. If you click on a phishing link or file, you might hand over your data to hackers. A phishing scheme can also install malware onto your device. If you get suspicious, typo-ridden, or too good to be true messages from someone you don’t know on social media, assume its phishing – delete it! You can usually report such messages to the social media platform, too. You might get a message or post from someone you know that seems like phishing (“when did Bill get into selling designer sunglasses?”). Assume it is phishing and delete. Use another method to contact the sender and let them know about the weird message.

Remember, you aren’t alone online! You have the power to stop cybercriminals!

Our Autism and Behavior Services consist of an interdisciplinary team of clinicians, including licensed psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, board-certified behavior analysts and registered behavior technicians, who provide diagnostic and behavior intervention services for those with autism.

Program Goals

Our goal is to provide client centered, family focused services to those who need this service. Since 2012, we have been offering autism and behavior services for families with children who range in age from toddlers to young adults. Our staff members go above and beyond to serve our families and we partner with them to provide services that meet individual family goals.

Who Benefits from Autism and Behavior Services

We know that families and individuals who are living with autism benefit from this program. In a broader sense, we also know that central Indiana benefits from our ability to provide resources and assistance to schools, families, businesses, partner organizations and the community as a whole.

How Families Access this Service

Diagnostic appointments must be referred by a physician. Individuals who participate in ABA services must have diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder. Individuals interested in services can reach out to our admissions specialist regarding services. Our services are not limited to individuals with autism spectrum disorder.

What Makes this Program Unique in our Community

Easterseals Crossroads has the unique ability to offer a variety of services within the agency. Families who use our autism services often find that their child might benefit from speech, occupational or physical therapy. Our ability to offer services that cross disciplines can be extremely beneficial to our families who need multiple services.

“Our interdisciplinary team of autism experts are here to provide services that are individualized and collaborative in order to best serve our consumers. We hope to create a safe and supportive environment that also feels like home to our consumers,” said program director Karrie Veteto.

How to Obtain More Information

Contact us for more information about autism and behavior services at Easterseals Crosroads.

The Community Day Supports program includes adult day services, day habilitation and recreation therapy for individuals with disabilities.

Adult Day

The adult day program is a blended model of social and medical services for adults with disabilities who are 18+ years of age. Supervision and assistance with daily living are provided by skilled nursing staff. Social and skill building activities such as group exercise, current events, games, skills training/education and community outings are offered. This program is offered at our north location where we have been providing this service for 22 years.

The goal of adult day services is to encompass both health and social service needs to ensure the optimal functioning of each individual through person-centered planning. The program focuses on areas of daily living skills, socialization, leisure activities, self-advocacy, independence skills and community engagement.

Day Habilitation

Services are community and facility-based and support learning and assistance with self-care, sensory/motor development, socialization, daily living skills, communication, community living and social skills. Services are delivered with a 4:1 client to staff member ratio to allow for small group learning and community exploration. This program is offered at our south location for those with disabilities who are 18+ years of age.

The goal of day habilitation is to support learning and assistance in the areas of: self-care, sensory/motor development, socialization, daily living skills, communication, community living, self-advocacy and social skills. Activities are intended to build relationships and natural supports.

Recreation Therapy

Recreational therapy is a systematic process that utilized recreation and other activity-based interventions to address the assessed needs of individuals with illnesses and/or disabling conditions, as a means to psychological and physical health, recovery and well-being.

Services ae provided or directly supervised by a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS). Services include providing treatment services and recreation activities to children, teens and adults by using a variety of techniques including arts and crafts, animals, sports, games, dance and movement, drama, music and community outings.

The goal of recreation therapy is to improve an individual’s functioning and independence. Participants may engage in adapted sports, dramatics, arts and crafts, social activities and other recreation services designed to restore, remediate or rehabilitate. Participants include children, teens and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Program participant Jessica enjoys recreation therapy with our staff. As part of the program’s walking club, she enjoys walking outside with her friends and recreation therapists. In addition to getting a great, healthy workout through walking, Jessica has also made changes to her diet and her level of physical activity at home and in the community. With all of her hard work, Jessica has lost 10 pounds, which she is so happy about.

“Not only does my body move better after walking, but it feels so much better after! This didn’t start until after I started walking more,” said Jessica.

Who Benefits from Community Day Supports Programs

Adult day services, day habilitation and recreation therapy all benefit individuals who are looking for a person-centered approach to develop or improve skills related to socialization, independence, motor skills, physical skills, leisure skills and community engagement.

Our programs are unique because of the activities available including self-advocacy groups, volunteerism, art therapy, focus on independence, adaptive exercise and more.

More Information

Contact us for more information about Community Day Supports options available.

The Homeless Veteran Reintegration Program (MVRP) at Easterseals Crossroads has begun its 10th year in providing solutions for veterans who are experiencing homelessness. Our mission within the program area is to provide training options, employment opportunities, resource connections and other community necessary supports.

Each year we serve 100 people in this program and we provide information and options to many other veterans within central Indiana. We hold stand down events, resource fairs and other veteran-centered events regularly.

Who we Serve

We have three criteria to qualify for services from the HVRP program. First, the participant must be a veteran. Minimally, this means the individual must have completed one day of active duty not including training. Those who served in the National Guard or Reserves must have been deployed on Title 10 orders. If a National Guard or Reservist has obtained a disability rating through the VA, they are eligible without a deployment.

Second, an individual must be experiencing homelessness. Homelessness in the broader sense encompasses everything from living in a vehicle to staying with friends or family. This also includes a veteran who might be getting assistance with rent/mortgage through another organization, whether community-based, faith-based or a government assistance program.

Finally, an individual must be seeking employment opportunities. We work with veterans who are driven and committed to an employment goal. We will partner with our veterans who qualify for the program and will will be there to assist at all levels within the employment search.

The veterans we serve range in age from 21 through 75 plus years of age.

How we Serve

Once a veteran is committed to the program, we provide case management, individualized support and training resources based on needs. We actively assist in job seeking and we have some dedicated community partners. We work on skill building, networking, skills presentation and more. We provide employment-supportive services, which can include the purchase of work clothes, bicycles and gas cards to assist in obtaining and maintaining employment. This extra service makes our program unique in the veteran community.

Our staff has almost 50 years of combined experience in workforce development and case management with all populations. We pride ourselves on being highly organized, motivated and goal-oriented. Many of our staff are veterans themselves and we understand the challenges that service members face.

Veterans need to know that it is okay to ask for help when coming home. I honestly feel that when you’re at the door at Easterseals Crossroads, your help is just one step away.

~Deanna, Army Veteran and HVRP Participant

Who Benefits from HVRP

Employing veterans who have served our country and who are experiencing homelessness benefits our community. Veterans have proven to be highly skilled, dedicated, driven and loyal employees. Once a veteran completes our program, an employer can be assured that we have pre-screened and prepared this person to rejoin the workforce.

We will continue to work with a veteran who has been gained employment as well. Our relationship can continue as long as there are goals to achieve and needs to be meant on the job.

Who to Contact for Information

Veterans can call our office at 317.466.o000 to speak with one of our career coaches to discuss eligibility for the HVRP program. Veterans can also complete this form and it will be directed to a career coach.

Interns involved in our Project SEARCH Indiana program located at Community Hospital North continue to benefit from a digital literacy program made possible through a grant from Comcast NBCUniversal.

Jill Rusk – our Project SEARCH instructor at this location says that this 20-hour program has helped young adult learners by enhancing their current digital skills and learning new ones.

“The program helps our interns build confidence and improve life skills in preparation for employment. Not only that, but I have seen it improve conversation skills for this group. They have truly grown from the program so far,” said Jill Rusk, program instructor.

Easterseals Crossroads, a local nonprofit organization providing disability services, was awarded a one-year $75,000 grant from Comcast NBCUniversal in April 2023 for the Comcast NBCUniversal Digital Literacy and Employment Program. This marked the second year that Easterseals Crossroads has received funding for this project. The grant will help build digital skills for transition-age youth with disabilities.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Digital Literacy and Employment Program is provided to Project SEARCH interns ages 18-24 who have a diagnosed disability and who are preparing to work in a competitive work environment. The project focuses on delivering targeted digital skills curriculum in the classroom combined with an internship that will allow each participant to demonstrate what they are learning in a real work setting.

“Digital literacy skills are crucial for young adults as they transition from school to adulthood where they need to know how to manage both their work and personal lives. Comcast NBCUniversal’s commitment to our youth has made a huge impact for individuals who will soon be established in our community’s workforce,” said Marjorie Duryea, Director, Employment Programs, Easterseals Crossroads.

Easterseals Crossroads is pleased to partner with national Easterseals and affiliates in Arkansas, Colorado, Greater Houston, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Washington by sharing resources and best practices in offering digital learning opportunities for young adults with disabilities in our community.

Digital literacy and access to technology are two areas of strategic investment at Comcast NBCUniversal that empower people and create opportunities for those who need it most. Easterseals and affiliates throughout the country have been chosen by Comcast NBCUniversal for many grants and programs throughout the years.